New Jim Crow Reflection

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I first read The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander during my senior year of college in a class titled Social Justice. This was back when I believed African Americans gained equality during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s and that reverse racism was actually a thing—a result of my white, middle class, neighborhood upbringing. Several aspects of my life have changed since then, challenging me to engage Michelle Alexander’s text in new ways. Through education I recognized the history and perpetuation of the systematic oppression of people of color within the United States and the privilege I hold within this system. Through personal experience I gained a new understanding on the powerful effects of stigma. In October of 2016, …show more content…
It is believe that they deserve the punishment they endure because they brought it upon themselves. Many fail to realize that this punishment does not end after being released from prison, but follows them throughout their life condemning them to always be criminals; Michelle Alexander refers to this as the “period of invisible punishment”. A convicted felon is reminded of their status when filling out applications for public benefits, housing and education. One of the biggest hurdles a convicted felon faces when trying to assimilate into society is “the black …show more content…
I have two choices: tell them as soon as I meet them or tell them after spending some time getting to know each other. If I disclose too soon after meeting with someone, it is much like the convicted felon who never gets the interview. If I wait until I build a relationship with someone, I increase my chances of that person accepting me but also increase my risk of getting hurt. Most people I’ve encountered can’t look past the associated stereotypes or believe the transmission rate is 100% rather than just 2% (Herpes Opportunity Disclosure Handout). Just as many convicted felons feel the social constraints placed upon them are worse than the actual punishment, the stigma from having herpes is much more damaging than the actual disease. My health is fine and the condition itself is just a minor inconvenience. The social barriers stigma creates feel nearly impossible to

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